Chef Arnold Pulido leaves Va de Vi in Walnut Creek [Update!]

Perennial Top 100 restaurant Va de Vi has lost its executive chef, Arnold Pulido. The Walnut Creek wine bar and bistro has held three stars and a Top 100 slot since opening in 2004, and Pulido has been running the show at Va de Vi for the last 4 1/2 years, officially taking over when original chef Kelly Degala left in 2009. But now, after a “mutual separation,” Pulido is off to do some traveling around the States to research small plate restaurants.

Update, 2:30: Owner John Walz adds that Pulido’s official replacement is Shane McAnelly. He was most recently executive sous chef at Zero Zero, and before that, he was chef de cuisine at Garibaldis in Oakland. There will be no change to the Va de Vi concept of international small plates with a wine bar focus. Many of the old time favorite dishes will remain on the menu, and McAnelly will eventually add a few new items.